What Should You Know About ADHD and Substance Use?

We often speak about the connection between substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. That typically includes depression, anxiety, and other conditions caused by trauma, genetics, and other influencing factors. However, what about the connection between substance use and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What do we really know about ADHD and substance use? 

It seems like more and more people are sharing their struggles with ADHD nowadays, and in many cases, ADHD is confused with a wide range of other conditions. Despite these misconceptions, misdiagnoses, and misinformation, you can learn more about managing ADHD and substance use. If you're concerned about your struggles with substance and think you may have ADHD, speak with your doctor immediately. Both are manageable and with West Coast Recovery Centers, we can help you recover from substance use today. 

What Is ADHD?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes ADHD as “an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” In other words, it's a behavior disorder that causes trouble with focus, impulse control, memory loss, difficulty managing responsibilities, and more. Individuals with ADHD experience ongoing symptoms, including: 

• Inattention – This includes trouble concentrating, staying on tasks, staying organized, and maintaining focus 
• Hyperactivity – This includes constantly moving around, fidgeting, and talking, even during inappropriate situations 
• Impulsivity – This includes acting without thinking and lacking self-control 

Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes ADHD as “one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.” However, symptoms remain present throughout adulthood, and some only realize they're struggling when during adulthood. 

The first step toward obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is recognizing the signs and symptoms and discussing them with your healthcare provider. Of course, not everyone with ADHD struggles with the same issues. However, some of the signs and symptoms a person may experience include: 

• Daydreaming that interferes with present tasks
• Frequently forgetting or losing things
• Squirming, fidgeting, and restlessness
• Lacking time management skills
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Making careless mistakes 
• Difficulties getting along with people
• Trouble organizing and prioritizing
• Difficulties staying on task 

Symptoms vary depending on the person and can look different in children compared to adults. Nevertheless, it's necessary to know how ADHD can impact someone's life. 

How Does ADHD Influence Someone's Life?

Unfortunately, the causes of ADHD remain unknown despite ongoing research. However, there are some theories on the subject. That includes brain injury, premature birth, and exposure to environmental risks. As mentioned, many individuals only develop ADHD later on during adulthood, despite these potential factors. 

ADHD in Adults

Adults diagnosed with ADHD typically experience symptoms before age 12 but remain unaware. Without a diagnosis, people can feel lazy and irresponsible. While there's no cure, knowing that there's a reason for feeling this way can make all the difference in a person's life, knowing that they're none of these things, they simply have ADHD. 

One of the most significant impacts ADHD has on someone's life is that it makes it more challenging for them to focus and concentrate compared to others. Trouble organizing, prioritizing, and paying attention to tasks can influence can affect academic performance, confidence, and self-esteem, and continually impact a person's professional performance in adulthood. Recognizing the signs and getting a diagnosis can help, and with treatment, individuals can better manage their ADHD. 

Is There Any Connection Between ADHD and Substance Use?

ADHD is linked to an overall lack of behavioral management which means that individuals with ADHD may make decisions. Many of these individuals are inclined to use drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. The connection between ADHD and substance use is like any, people are simply trying to improve their symptoms. However, under the influence, people may begin making even more risky decisions. 

Self-medication and other improper forms of substance use can quickly lead to dependency. Some may think this means a life of recovery is impossible. Admittedly, ADHD may sometimes make long-term recovery more challenging, but that doesn't make it impossible. 

Treating ADHD and Substance Use

As a common co-occurring condition among people with SUD, many dual-diagnosis treatment strategies can help people manage their ADHD while recovering from addiction. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Behavioral talk therapies 
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) 
• Motivational interviewing (MI) 
• Support group meetings 
• Family support and involvement 

If you or a loved one has ADHD and have been trying to manage symptoms with substance misuse, you may now be struggling with dependence. If so, you'll require treatment not only to establish sobriety but also to implement healthier ADHD coping mechanisms into daily life.

At West Coast Recovery Centers, we believe in a transparent and individualized path to lasting, self-determined recovery. We inspire and encourage people to take charge of their lives through traditional and non-traditional treatment methods. Together, we can help you achieve long-term, sustainable recovery while finding new, healthy ways to manage your ADHD symptoms. 

Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) often struggle with a co-occurring mental health condition. Some of the most common include depression, anxiety, and other kinds of mood disorders. However, another common condition people with SUD struggle with is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People typically turn to substance use as a way to cope with symptoms of another condition, but unfortunately, this usually leads to dependency. Despite the challenges of seeking treatment when one or more conditions are involved, recovery is possible. To learn more about seeking treatment and maintaining recovery while healthily managing your symptoms of ADHD, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509. Recovery and ADHD management are possible with the right tools, support, and resources.